Raise your pints: The U.S. brewery count reaches all-time high of 4,144

Craft beer is certainly doing its part to support the American economy. Cheers.

It’s finally happened. The brewing community in the United States has broken the historical high of 4,131 breweries operating in the United States — a feat not broken since 1873 — a damn good year to drink beer. In fact, we crushed that ye old number (like a six pack of quaffable session ale). According to a year-end review from the Brewers Association, as of the end of November there are now 4,144 breweries in the country.

“This is a remarkable achievement, and it’s just the beginning,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “Beer has always been a hallmark of this country and it is even more apparent today as America’s beer culture continues to expand.”

That means brewery openings now exceed two a day. Is that sustainable? We asked Watson a few weeks back. “There are over 8,000 wineries in the United States, and Americans drink a lot more beer than wine,” Watson is quick to point out. Here are some other fun notes from the Brewers Association report:

Fifteen states are now home to more than 100 breweries: California, Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Indiana.

IPA remained the top style sold by independent craft brewers, and continues to grow faster than the overall craft category.

Data shows that “locally made” is important to over half of craft beer buyers.

Similarly, knowing that the beer is made by a small and independent brewery is important to a majority of craft drinkers in their purchase decision.

“Craft breweries are a part of their communities, operating in neighborhoods and towns, returning us to a localized beer culture,” added Watson. “There are still thousands of towns currently without a brewery — but with populations potentially large enough to support one. With beer lovers continuing to desire more full-flavored, innovative options from small and independent local breweries, ample opportunities exist for well-differentiated, high-quality entrants in the marketplace.”